Obituaries

Lois M. Schlueter

Lois M. Schlueter, age 68 of Waconia, died Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2005 at her home.

She was born Sept. 18, 1937 in Hector, the daughter of Alfred M. and Lizzie (Gunderson) Pederson. Lois was baptized Dec. 17, 1937 in Hector by the Rev. I. Houland, and confirmed June 8, 1952 at Christ Lutheran Church in Maple Plain by the Rev. Gustafson.

During her high school years, Lois skipped two grades and graduated high school at age 16. After graduation, she worked for Betty Crocker.

She met her husband, Dick, during this time, while he was attending Dunwoody. Lois and Richard “Dick” Schlueter were married March 1, 1958 at University Lutheran Church in Minneapolis by the Rev. R. Biesel. The couple resided in Minneapolis and gave birth to their first son there, Russell Dean.

A job moved them to Hutchinson, where their second son, Daniel, was born. They lived in Brownton for a time until Dick received an apprenticeship in Kansas City, Mo.

They lived in Gladstone, Mo. for about four years before returning to Minnesota, settling in St. Louis Park, where Dick and Lois started Suburban Mold in 1965 in their basement. Lois ran the office and accounting, while Dick ran the manufacturing and production.

Their third son, Jeffrey Allen, was born. The success of their business required them to move the shop to Louisiana Avenue in St. Louis Park.

They then relocated to rural Mayer in 1970. The business continued to grow to the point where they built a building and moved the company to St. Bonifacius in 1972.

Lois and Dick ran the business together until Dick’s death in 1986. The business continued under Lois’ leadership until sons Russ and Dan acquired it in 1992. She stayed with the business, assisting in the office until her retirement in 1994.

During her tenure at Suburban Mold, Lois was a director at the local and national levels for the American Mold Builders Assn.

Jesus Christ was the most important person in her life. Because of her love for Jesus, the church and Christian education at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church were very important to Lois. She showed this through her contribution of time, talent, and financial support.

Lois was active with the church over many years, including serving as church secretary, treasurer, as a member of Ladies Aid, and in transportation. She was also an advocate for Mayer Lutheran High School, contributing in many of the same ways.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Lois loved spending time with her family, and would rarely miss a chance to see her children and grandchildren in their sporting events, concerts, or plays.

Lois loved to travel and especially loved the outdoors, where she liked to go fishing, boating, and enjoy a good campfire.

She is survived by her loving family: sons and daughter-in-law Russell and Judy Schlueter of Norwood Young America, Daniel and Wendy Schlueter of Victoria, and Jeffrey Schlueter of Massachusetts; and grandchildren Nicholas, Rachel, Cassandra, Hailey, Samuel, Morgan, and Daniel.

Lois is further survived by a sister, Ardell Lilienfeld of Coon Rapids; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Donald and Florene Schlueter of Farley, Mo.; Loren and Donna Schlueter of the Phillipines, and Steve and Helen Schueter of Sioux Falls, S.D.; nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

In addition to her husband, Dick, Lois was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Lizzie Pederson; brothers Morris, Darryl, and Lloyal Pederson; and sister Delores Quaas.

Funeral services were Saturday, Dec. 31 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Watertown, with the Revs. Paul Krentz and Donald Taylor officiating. Interment was in Fort Snelling National Cemetery.